Unravelling My Past

5. How Do I Tell Them?

I had an amazing first week at the cafe, but then I realized that in one week, I can't work here anymore. I never expected to have myself entranced by a cafe that I only walked in to work for some quick cash that I desperately needed. What would they (my second family) think? I care too much, but I have a job as a nurse at the nearby hospital. I can't have two jobs of two totally different occupations at once!! ... can I ?

I ruffle my hair as I walk to my bathroom, the same chilling feeling going through my body because of the city's morning weather. I stare into the mirror, seeing a lady with mid-back length hair that is a dark hazel color with green-Hazel eyes, bags quite prominent. I brush my teeth and comb my hair into my signature go-to ponytail and change into my casual work clothes. My clothes are hanging in my closet with some hangers I bought from the dollar store. I also bought some more clothes at  a thrift store, and with some patching and cleaning, they looked brand new, acceptable to the public eye.

I place some lotion to my face and hands, an actual body of lotion that I bought. I am still adjusting to living alone, the neighborhood, and the city. I do feel homesick once in a while, but I shove the feeling to the back of the mind because the reason I'm here is to fulfill my dream and keep my family supported.

I do my usual routine and meditate a little longer as I stare at the café with mixed thoughts flowing through my head.

"My god, I'm just going to have to straight up telling them. Will they hate me? Will I be fired on the spot? Will I even be welcomed?"

I feel like I am an average high school teenager who is stressing about her outfit, but it's not like I had that experience anyways...

I walk into the cafe with a bright, confident smile radiating through and through, making it seem as realistic as possible, as if I didn't have a huge weight on my shoulder, but my facade quickly wore off when I walk in to find a banner that says "CONGRATS ON BECOMING A FULL MEMBER OF THE CAFE!!"

"Hey Hazel !! You like the banner? We made it just for you! One week in and the rest of your life to go!" Ruby exclaims in excitement.

"Didn't know you could make it through Hazel, seriously congrats." Adam says with a generous smile gracing his face.

"I'm so glad to have another member, it was getting difficult with only us 3 taking charge of this cafe. You have no idea how much help you've given us." Amber says into my ear as she envelops me into a gigantic bear hug.

I start crying. Bawling even because I couldn't keep them like this. I can't keep this from them. My God. I feel horrible.

"I"

Sob.

"have to.."

Hic.

"Tell you"

Sniffle.

"Something!" I choked out.

"Is after work ok? Because customers are finally trickling in." Adam says. I graciously take his suggestion and head into the back and put on my apron and gloves. Washing the dishes as tears ran down my cheeks, down the same route for another hour.

~•~•~

What seemed like mere minutes that flew by were actually hours that ticked constantly. I didn't even realize how many dishes I actually washed until I looked to my left to see a nice stack of clean plates and the citrus scent of the soap hovering in the air.

"IT IS CLOSING TIME!!!!" I hear Ruby shout from the front.

Aghhhhhh! Now I have to tell them.

Adam walks in with his hand outstretched. "Hey you ready to talk to us?" A slight hint of worry in his face. I walk over, a tight smile on my face as I take off my apron and gloves. I redo my hair as a few strays fall over to frame my sides.

"Yeah, let's go to the front. Can you make some coffee please? I want a lot of creamer in it."

"Just give me a minute and it'll be right out ma'am." He replies smoothly with a wink. I shook my head with a chuckle, heading out to see Ruby and Amber cleaning the tables with towels and a table for four set up.

My heart is already breaking. How am I so attached?

"So what did you want to talk about?" Amber asks as she pulls out a chair, Ruby following suit and Adam following right after with our cups of coffee.

"I don't know how to say this to you guys, but..." I pause, tears pooling in my eyes, threatening to spill again. "I... am leaving to my official job next week. So.. I won't be able to—"

"WHAT?" Ruby shrieks. "What do you mean you're leaving? You never told us! You're like a sister to me!" She looked so hurt. I never thought that a week could do such a thing.

"I... had a job interview for the hospital down the street. I got it, but I wouldn't start until two weeks later..." I meekly reply.

"Then why did you even get the job in the first place? You already seem to have a stable life." The deeper voice comments. I turn to look at Adam, eyes a shade darker and arms crossed. Face contorted with emotions.

"I..." I couldn't tell them my family problems. No. Not now.

"I needed to keep up with my rent." I smoothly recover.

"But you worked so hard and you looked so desperate. You're a wonderful worker, it'll be such a shame. It really will." Amber sympathizes. She looks into be with her auburn eyes and stared into my green-hazel eyes, as if she could feel my pain.

"I'm sorry..." I mumble pathetically.

"It's okay it's understandable." Amber places a hand on my shoulder.

"You should have said that you were going to leave sooner Hazel. I got too attached!" Ruby pouts. "But you're welcome anytime to visit ok?"

"Thank you." I smile in relief. "You're not mad at me?"

"Oh no you're wrong there. I am pissed at you for keeping such a secret from me!" She eyes me, but I could see the playfulness in her eyes.

"Sorry." I wink.

I sip my coffee and relax. "God I think I'm addicted to your coffee Adam. It's really good and hits the spot."

"Well I guess you're going to have withdrawal symptoms because I'm not going to make yours anymore." He growls as he gets off his chair, the screech of the chair against the floor going through the room. He stormed out the door with the bell chiming, signaling the door was open.

"What's with him?" I warily ask my two female friends.

"I don't know. Maybe you should talk to him? He's probably in the side alley. When you come back, we can discuss some options if you still want to work here." Amber comments. 

I give her a thankful smile, and I do what she says. I grab my thin jacket and head out, quietly walking to the side alley, the gravel crunching underneath my shoes as I continue walking. I turn into the side alley to see Adam smoking a cigarette, the small stick lit as it's end was burning a bright orange. He breathed out, a huff of grey smoke flying into the already polluted air.

Since when did he smoke?

He was leaning against the wall, one leg on bent on the wall with the other on the ground, making him look pretty cool.

I walk to his side and breathed out a word, intimidated by his aura.

"Hey."